Morrison hopes for Roy stay

James Morrison: Can understand why England may want Roy Hodgson as manager but hopes he stays at West Brom

West Brom's James Morrison understands why England may want Roy Hodgson as boss - but has urged the club to tie him down to a new deal.

The former Blackburn and Liverpool manager is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with the England job following Fabio Capello's shock resignation last month.

The Baggies would not want lose the experienced boss after he guided them to 11th last season - their highest finish for nearly 30 years - ending a run of seasons where they had a yo-yo existence between the top two divisions.

The Hawthorns outfit are now set for a third consecutive season in the Premier League, with Hodgson guiding them to the relative safety of 13th place with nine games remaining.

Morrison was quick to praise the impact Hodgson has made at the club and urged the Baggies hierarchy to offer him a new contract.

"It is very important to look at what he has done for the club," Morrison told the Daily Mirror.

"He has got mid-table finishes whereas previous years we have been going down.

Solid

"Everyone looks at this club as a solid Premier League team so it is important they tie him down.

"We always knew it was going to be a long road to be an established team now but we are here now.

"We have a good squad of players and international, experienced players which is what you need in a Premier League team.

"Roy is on the pitch every day, coaching, telling you where to be on the pitch. It has given everyone that self-confidence and I can see why England may want him."

Morrison caused controversy back in January when he openly criticised the club's transfer policy.

Speaking after a home FA Cup defeat to Norwich, the former Middlesbrough man complained that the Baggies did not spend enough money and usually bought foreign players he had never heard of.

West Brom didn't deviate from their prudent transfer policy during the transfer window, bringing in Keith Andrews and Liam Ridgewell from the Championship.

Impact

Their arrival has had a significant impact on the club's form, losing just once in five games, including a memorable 5-1 win away at Black Country rivals Wolves.

Morrison concedes he let frustration get the better of him following his January outburst and praised Ridgewell and Andrews for the impact they have made since joining the club.

"It was heat of the moment and we had come off a bad result," added the Scotland international.

"It was out of frustration but it seemed to get players in. It was out of character but the players have come in so if we keep doing it, it is happy days.

"It has brought more competition to the squad. And yeah, I had heard of them, I have played against them many times.

"Those two coming in has sparked us on. The results we had when those two came in were the highlight of our season.

"Now we have a good group now where we can go on and the club can go forward."